Experienced riders who are not too large and fancy taking part in some of the festive season’s most famous race meetings could be in for an unexpected surprise. This year’s national hunt racing season could be overshadowed because the sport’s shortest athletes are facing a shortage of a different kind. The number of national hunt jockeys (职业赛马骑师) has fallen from 123 in 1995 to 70—but the number of meetings has increased. Now officials are issuing a plea to any keen riders to apply to the Jockey Club, racing’s governing body (理事会), for a license to take part in some of the country’s leading meetings. While meetings are unlikely to be abandoned, some races might only involve three horses. Racing officials fear that jockeys might not be able to get to all of the meetings in time, particularly on Boxing Day, when there will be nine, and on New Year’s Day, when there will be six. National hunt racing is open to professional and amateur (业余的) jockeys. Those who think they have the relevant credentials (证明书) need to have extensive riding experience, weigh under 10 stone (63 kg) and stand at around 5 ft 8 in (173cm). Once the Jockey Club has approved the license the riders are free to take part in any national hunt race and pit (使竞争) their wits against the likes of Tony McCoy. Racing officials believe that the shortage has cone about because Britons are getting bigger and there are fewer people who meet the sport’s height and weight requirements. A spokesman for the Jockey Club said: “There are fewer jockeys who are getting a greater number of rides but at least that means they are able to earn a good living.” He added: “We are keeping an eye on the situation. Any sport thrives on new blood and young talent coming through.” It is not a case of horse racing being less fashionable but being a jockey is a very demanding lifestyle, particularly in terms of truing to keep your weight down. People are now heavier and bigger and maybe some just find it too hard to be a jockey.

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